Fruit trees which are sold at www.trees-online.co.uk are grown on a range of rootstocks in order to control the rate of growth. These tables show approximate size of mature trees and various suggested uses.

Apple Rootstock

Straight Lead M25

2-3 year old tree,1 metre trunk clear of branches (Straight Lead) Final Height 4.5m or more (M25). Grows fast but takes longer to fruit than smaller rootstocks (around 5 years, we sell them between 1 and 2 years old). Ideal for orchards/very large gardens as higher fruit yield and lower maintenance. Will require powers of levitation to harvest or access to ladders/very tall friends. Does not require staking if planted after purchase. If moved or planted as an older tree, will require staking for first 3 years.

Maiden M.25

A 1-2 year tree. Produces large attractive trees suitable for large gardens and orchards. Expect a height of 4.5m or more.

Half-Standard MM.106

Central stem cut to 1.3m when young (Half-Standard) giving a conventional tree shape to support many fruiting branches. Good for the average garden and container growning. Expect a height around 3.6m. Can be container grown, trained as a Fan or Espallier and once established will tolerate other plants/grass growing close by. Tree fruits around the third year (we sell them between 1 and 2 years old). Stake for the first 5 years, longer if in exposed conditions (normal gardens are fine)

Bush MM.106

Central stem cut to 75cm when young (bush) and will grow to around 3.6m. Exactly as above but branches start lower down the tree making some of the fruit more accesible. Good for the average garden and container growing.

Cordon M.9

2-3 year old tree, should fruit the same or year after purchase. A smaller tree with no side branches (feathers) and requires immediate area free of weeds, grass and other plants as does not compete well. Expect a height of 2.4 metres and requires permanent staking. Plant 3m apart from other cordons. Less wait for fruit but less fruit than larger trees. Ideal for small gardens.

Maiden M.9

1-2 year old tree. Expect a height of around 2.4 metres but unlike above, does have side branches although not as many as a larger tree. Should fruit same or year after purchase. Ideal for small gardens.

Maiden M.26

1-2 year old tree. Expect a height of around 3 metres and expect fruit same or year after purchase. Requires permanent staking. Ideal for smaller gardens or container growing and shape retraining e.g. Fan and Espallier. Requires permanent staking.

Maiden M.27

1-2 year old tree. Expect a height of 2m. Ideal for patio containers and requires permenant staking. Should fruit same or year after purchase. Does not perform well in poor soil.

Maiden MM106

1-2 year old tree supplied at 1 to 2 metres. Good for the average garden and for retraining into desired shapes such as fan or Espalier.

Cherries

Colt - Semi-Dwarf. Very productive and fully compatible with all sweet and flowering varieties, will contain trees to 3.6m

Prunus F.12.1 - Very vigorous. The best form of Prunus avium. Will grow to 4m or more.